The Best Nature Spots of South India

What comes to your mind when you think of traveling to India? Palaces? Temples? Vibrant colors? But there’s another side to this large, diverse country as well—one that attracts thousands of nature and adventure lovers. The south of the country gets little coverage in traditional media. So here are 5 of the best nature spots in south India.

1. Munnar

The tea estates of Munnar in the southern Indian state of Kerala are unparalleled in their lush beauty. The fresh air and surreal terrain make it look like a walk through a wonderland. Munnar produces most of India’s tea output, but there are other exciting things to do. If you love wildlife, then a trip to Elephant Spot is an absolute must. You should also visit the Munnar dam and the beautiful lake created by it. Munnar is also popularly known as the land of four waterfalls, of which the spellbinding Nyayamakad Waterfalls are the most enchanting. The Eravikulam National Park is a popular for witnessing some endangered species, especially the Nilgiri Tahr species of ibex.

2. Coorg

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a pristine district in the state of Karnataka. A beautiful area with several hill stations, the district offers ample options for the nature traveller in close proximity. Coorg is also an excellent place for adventure and nature lovers. You can visit Madikeri for its awesome camping and trekking grounds. You can also rent a cottage at the Dubare Elephant Camp and enjoy being close to some of nature’s most magnificent creatures. Waterfall rappelling is another activity that draws thousands of adventure enthusiasts to the region year after year.

3. Pondicherry

While as metropolitan as any big city in modern India, Pondicherry offers many unique opportunities for nature lovers. You’ll also find modern hotels in Pondicherry as conveniently as pristine getaways. As the city is situated along the coast, there are many clean beaches that invite droves of visitors. Rock Beach is a popular spot as well as Pondicherry Beach which offers fabulous views of the nearby creek and the backwaters. Serenity Beach is another destination where spectacular waves crash on the shore all the time, making it a perfect spot for surfers, or simply to soak up some sunshine on the clean sand.

4. Ananthagiri Hills

An ideal spot for a family picnic, Ananthagiri Hills offer plenty of options to entertain the family in beautiful, natural surroundings. Nested in a cool valley, the spot houses an old Hindu temple, birdlife, and several viewpoints offering lush views of the green hills and waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to spot the gushing Musi and Gosthani Rivers. You’ll find lots of photographers, birdwatchers and families visiting the spot for the entire day to get away from the bustle of Hyderabad city. If you’re visiting this regions during the monsoon season from July to September, you must make a trip to Ananthagiri Hills because that is when they truly shine in their natural splendour.

5. Gandikota

Gandikota is the best option for trekkers. It is a tiny village situated along the Pennar River in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The village offers magnificent views of a long canyon where you can trek for hours. There are no tourist crowds, making it an ideal getaway at any time of the year. If you feel tired after the hours of trekking, you can wind down at the riverbank and take in the wonderful greenery and cool waters.

Add these fabulous spots to your travel list if you plan to visit India this year. You can visit these places on your own, with friends and even with the whole family.

Related Articles

Dreaming of a vacation on the water? Whether you want to cruise a local lake or take your boat out on the ocean, there are plenty of places to take a boating vacation. However, before you bring your beloved boat out on the water, it’s a good idea to ensure it is ready. From ensuring it’s safety to making sure it’s equipped with all the features you want and need, here are seven ways to ensure your boat is ready for your next vacation. 1. Look for Signs of Damage The most important thing to do before taking your boat out on the water is to make sure it’s safe. The body of your boat plays a big role in the safety of your boat, so be sure to look …

Buying engagement and wedding rings are signs of serious commitment. You need to know that you and your partner are on the same page before splurging on a ring. There are a few basic questions that you need to ask before you pop the question. No, you do not need to sit your partner down and grill them. Asking the questions randomly can give you the most honest answers. No matter how you choose to ask your partner, be sure to know the answers to these questions before you propose. What Do they Want from the Relationship? Before you even start thinking about a future together, make sure you are on the same page. This is a question that your partner and you need to revisit at regular intervals. When …

Low-carb diets are incredibly effective when it comes to losing weight. But, if many of the foods you normally eat include carbohydrates, it can be difficult to start on a low-carb diet plan when you’re not sure what to eat. Fortunately, a few easy steps can be all it takes to get started with slashing your carb intake. Use the following tips to successfully transition to a low-carb diet. Skip the Diet Products When you go grocery shopping, you might notice a number of diet products labeled “low-carb” or “sugar-free” that cater to your new eating goals. In general, you’ll want to avoid these foods since they are mostly processed items that don’t offer a lot of nutritional value. They will essentially act as empty calories and make it harder …